The forest was the first in Connecticut purchased through public subscription, with residents and school children donating money to buy the land for the state.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established Camp White in the forest during the 1930s, leaving behind stone foundations and masonry structures still visible today.
It is home to the Saville Dam, which creates the Barkhamsted Reservoir, one of the largest water supply reservoirs in Connecticut.
The forest contains rare old-growth hemlock stands that survived 19th-century logging operations.
The Farmington River within the forest boundaries is classified as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, making it a premier destination for cold-water fly fishing.
Peoples State Forest is a 2,954-acre state-managed woodland located along the West Branch of the Farmington River in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. The forest was established in 1924 through a unique public-private partnership between the Connecticut Forestry Association and the state. It features a diverse landscape of hemlock-hardwood forests, rocky ravines, and high-elevation vistas including the popular Jessie Gerard Trail leading to the Ragged Mountain summit. The site includes the Pleasant Valley Greenway and provides extensive access to the Farmington River for fly fishing and kayaking. Visitors have access to designated picnic areas, campsites, and over 12 miles of marked hiking trails. The forest is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and is recognized as a Wild and Scenic River corridor. It serves as a regional hub for outdoor recreation including bird watching, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during the winter months.
The stone observation tower on the Jessie Gerard Trail providing a panoramic view of the Farmington Valley.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better navigate the rocky riverbed and spot trout in the Farmington River.
Ensure you download offline maps, as cell service is inconsistent throughout the forest and surrounding valley.
Use tick repellent and perform thorough checks, as the forest contains high-density tick populations common to Connecticut woodlands.
Do not attempt to swim in the areas of the Farmington River marked with strong currents or near dam spillways.
Campsites are seasonal and typically operate from spring through early autumn; trails remain open year-round.
Pack out all trash, keep dogs on a leash, and stay on marked trails to protect sensitive erosion-prone soil.
